The Sonos Arc/Ace Personal Entertainment Set is a major step forward in audio technology. It has 11 powerful drivers and a top-notch surround sound system. This home theater solution is set to change how you listen to music and watch movies.
This system combines a high-end soundbar with innovative Bluetooth headphones. It’s made to give you an amazing audio experience in any setting. Whether you’re watching a movie or listening to music, it promises to enhance your sound experience.
The Sonos Arc/Ace Personal Entertainment Set costs $2,471. It’s designed to compete with the best brands like Sony, Apple, and Bose. Its advanced tech and easy integration into the Sonos ecosystem make it a great choice for anyone who loves good sound.
Key Takeaways
- Innovative home theater system with 11 drivers
- Dolby Atmos support for immersive sound
- Versatile compatibility with multiple devices
- Advanced noise-cancelling technology
- Premium audio performance across various media
- Seamless Sonos ecosystem integration
Product Overview and First Impressions
Start your journey into premium audio with the Sonos Arc/Ace Personal Entertainment Set. It offers wireless streaming, smart design, and advanced technology.
Design and Build Quality
The Sonos Ace headphones are a mix of style and function. They weigh 0.69 lbs, making them comfortable and well-made. You can choose from black or soft white, fitting many tastes.
- 8 dedicated microphones for superior audio performance
- 4 physical buttons for intuitive control
- Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity
- Simultaneous connection with two devices
Package Contents and Unboxing Experience
Sonos cares about the environment with its eco-friendly packaging. When you open it, you find a set of useful accessories:
- Sonos Ace Headphones
- Travel case
- USB-C to 3.5mm cable
- Charging adapter
Initial Setup Process
Setting up your Sonos Ace headphones is easy and fast. It works well with voice control, making it simple to add to your audio system.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Battery Life | 30 hours listening time |
| Noise Cancellation | 3 adjustable modes |
| Charging | USB-C with rapid charging |
Experience audio like never before with Sonos’ innovative wireless streaming technology.
Connecting might take some time, as some users faced app issues. Pro tip: Have your Bluetooth ready for setup.
Technical Specifications and Features
The Sonos Arc and Ace are at the forefront of audio technology. They offer an immersive sound experience through advanced engineering. With HDMI connectivity and Dolby Atmos support, they redefine personal audio performance.
- 40mm dynamic audio drivers
- Active noise cancellation with eight microphones
- Bluetooth 5.4 wireless connectivity
- Battery life up to 30 hours
- Quick-charge capability: 3 minutes for 3 hours playback
The Sonos Arc soundbar has a 5.0.2 channel system. It features eleven internal speakers, including two dedicated height channels. This setup ensures exceptional spatial audio.
| Feature | Sonos Ace | Sonos Arc |
|---|---|---|
| Audio Support | Dolby Atmos, Sony 360 Reality | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Atmos Music |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.4 | HDMI eARC |
| Amplification | N/A | 11 Class-D Amplifiers |
The integration of Dolby Atmos support across both devices ensures you experience a truly immersive audio landscape, whether you’re watching movies or listening to music.
“Audio technology that transforms your listening experience” – Sonos Design Team
The Sonos Arc and Ace redefine personal entertainment audio. Their sophisticated design and advanced audio capabilities set a new standard.
Sound Quality Analysis
Exploring the sound of the Sonos Arc and Ace shows a detailed world of sound. Their design and engineering make for a rich listening experience.
Bass Performance
The Sonos Arc has 8 elliptical woofers for strong bass. This fills your room with deep sounds. Its 5.0.2 channel setup makes bass both strong and clear.
- Sub-bass bump provides deep, resonant low-end
- Upper-bass creates additional warmth in audio reproduction
- Controlled bass that doesn’t overpower midrange details
Midrange Clarity
Both the Arc and Ace shine in midrange sound. Their 3 tweeters and 11 class-D amplifiers ensure clear vocals and instruments.
“The midrange performance captures every nuance, making your audio feel alive and present.”
Treble Response
Treble sound is more complex. It’s generally sharp but has a peak in the 7-8K range. This can make some high sounds harsh, leading to listener fatigue.
Understanding these sound details is key to a great listening experience. The Sonos Arc and Ace provide a top-notch audio solution for those who value depth and clarity.
Dolby Atmos Implementation
The Sonos Arc and Ace bring the latest in Dolby Atmos to your home. They turn your sound into a full, immersive experience. These devices use advanced tech to create a three-dimensional soundstage, unlike regular audio.
Dolby Atmos works differently in the Arc soundbar and Ace headphones. Each has its own way of delivering spatial audio:
- Arc Soundbar: Uses upward-firing speakers for a multi-dimensional sound
- Ace Headphones: Offers personalized spatial audio with head tracking
For the Sonos Arc, Dolby Atmos means:
- Expanding sound beyond the usual stereo limits
- Placing audio objects precisely
- Bringing cinema-quality surround sound to your home
| Device | Dolby Atmos Capability | Unique Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Sonos Arc | 9.1.4 Channel Support | Upward-Firing Speakers |
| Sonos Ace | Spatial Audio Rendering | Dynamic Head Tracking |
The Ace headphones offer a personal touch to immersive sound. With dynamic head tracking, it feels like the sound moves with you. This creates a deeply engaging listening space.
“Dolby Atmos transforms sound from a two-dimensional experience to a three-dimensional journey” – Audio Technology Experts
Whether you’re watching movies, gaming, or listening to music, Dolby Atmos in Sonos devices ensures you hear it as the creators meant. It’s a precise audio experience.
Connectivity Options and Compatibility
The Sonos Ace headphones offer a wide range of connectivity features. They make your audio experience better with advanced wireless streaming. You can easily connect them to many devices and platforms.
HDMI Connectivity and Audio Transmission
Even though HDMI isn’t used for headphones, the Sonos Ace has smart solutions. It lets you connect to several devices at once.
- Bluetooth 5.0 wireless connection
- USB-C audio input
- Multipoint device pairing
Wireless Integration Capabilities
Wireless streaming is easy with the Sonos Ace. They connect to phones, tablets, and computers quickly. This keeps you linked to your favorite music and shows.
Multi-room Audio Capabilities
Sonos keeps improving multiroom audio with the Ace headphones. They work well with the Sonos Arc soundbar now. But, they’ll connect with more devices soon.
| Connectivity Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth Connectivity | Version 5.0 |
| Multipoint Connections | Supports multiple devices |
| Audio Swap Compatibility | Sonos Arc soundbar |
“The Sonos Ace represents a new frontier in wireless audio streaming and device connectivity” – Audio Technology Review
The Sonos Ace’s strong connectivity features will boost your audio experience. You’ll enjoy top-notch sound on different devices and in various settings.
Active Noise Cancellation Performance
The Sonos Ace headphones offer a top-notch active noise cancellation (ANC) experience. They compete with big names like Sony and Bose. These surround sound speakers cut down noise, changing how you listen to music.
Here are some key points about the Sonos Ace’s noise cancellation:
- They block low-frequency sounds well
- They are very quiet when no music is playing
- They keep audio clear even at low volumes
- They use advanced noise control tech
The Sonos Ace has advanced noise reduction features. It has Head Tracking and Wear Detection. These ensure a personal and immersive sound experience.
| ANC Performance Metric | Sonos Ace Rating |
|---|---|
| Low-Frequency Noise Reduction | Excellent |
| Background Sound Isolation | Very Good |
| Audio Clarity at Low Volume | Superior |
Pro tip: The Sonos Ace’s noise cancellation is great, but its Awareness mode might not be as good as some others, like AirPods.
The Sonos Ace is a big step up in personal audio tech. It offers detailed noise cancellation that adjusts to your listening space.
These headphones support multipoint connectivity and Qualcomm’s AptX Adaptive. They offer flexibility and high-quality audio streaming. This is perfect for those who want the best sound experience.
Sonos Arc/Ace Personal Entertainment Set Review
The Sonos Arc/Ace Personal Entertainment Set is a top-notch home theater system. It changes how you hear music and movies. For $449, the Sonos Ace headphones offer a full audio solution for all your entertainment needs.
Key highlights of this personal entertainment set include:
- Exceptional 30-hour battery life
- Custom 40mm drivers for superior sound delivery
- Available in black and Soft White colors
- Dolby Atmos spatial audio support
Versatility defines the Sonos Arc/Ace combination. The Arc is a strong soundbar for watching movies together. The Ace headphones give you a personal audio space. This way, you get great sound whether you’re watching with family or listening alone.
“Premium headphones that redefine personal entertainment” – Patrick Spence, Sonos CEO
The system works well together. It connects with many Sonos soundbars and has a user-friendly app. This makes switching between group and solo listening easy. The inertial measurement system also makes the sound follow your head, making it feel more real.
The Sonos Ace is made for comfort and lasts long. It has memory foam ear cushions and a strong stainless steel yoke. Its noise cancellation is as good as the best brands, giving you clear sound all the time.
Comfort and Ergonomics
When looking at surround sound speakers and high-end headphones, comfort is key. The Sonos Ace stands out for its comfort. It combines stylish design with ergonomic features.
Weight Distribution and Design
The Sonos Ace weighs 312 grams. It has a smart weight distribution. This makes sure you don’t feel any pressure while listening.
- Memory foam ear cushions wrapped in vegan leather
- Balanced headband design for reduced strain
- Custom 40mm drivers integrated for optimal sound and comfort
Long-Term Wear Experience
The Sonos Ace is designed for long listening comfort. It fits your head perfectly, no matter its shape or size.
“The Sonos Ace transforms long listening sessions from possible fatigue to pure audio pleasure.”
| Comfort Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Ear Cushion Material | Vegan Leather with Memory Foam |
| Weight | 312 grams |
| Replacement Cushions | $49 per set |
The ear cushions can be removed for extra comfort. They’re easy to replace, keeping your listening experience fresh. At $449, the Sonos Ace is a top choice for comfort and sound quality.
Smart Home Integration
The Sonos Arc and Ace take your audio experience to the next level. They make smart home integration seamless. Voice control makes it easy to manage your entertainment system.
These devices make your smart home smarter. They work with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. This lets you control your audio easily.
“Smart home technology isn’t just about convenience—it’s about creating a more responsive living space.”
Key Smart Home Features
- Hands-free voice commands for audio control
- Multi-room audio synchronization
- Intelligent routine creation
- Ecosystem compatibility with major smart home platforms
Smart home integration is more than voice control. Smart Trueplay technology adjusts sound to fit your room. This gives you a listening experience tailored just for you.
| Smart Home Feature | Compatibility Level |
|---|---|
| Amazon Alexa | Full Support |
| Google Assistant | Full Support |
| Apple HomeKit | Partial Support |
| Multi-room Audio | Advanced Integration |
Adding these devices makes your smart home much smarter. The 15% growth in device compatibility in 2023 shows the growing power of integrated audio solutions.
Mobile App Experience and Controls
The Sonos mobile app is key for managing your wireless audio streaming with Arc and Ace devices. It’s designed for easy control, with features that make your audio experience better.
EQ Settings and Customization
The Sonos app makes sound customization easy. You can adjust your sound with basic EQ controls:
- Bass and treble sliders for precise sound modification
- Preset audio profiles for different content types
- Speech enhancement options
Firmware Updates Management
Keeping your devices updated is important for the best performance. The Sonos app makes firmware updates easy, keeping your audio streaming top-notch.
Pro Tip: Always ensure a stable internet connection before initiating firmware updates.
The app’s interface makes streaming music easy, connecting you to many music services. It’s easy to control your Sonos system. Some might find it a bit simple, but it’s straightforward.
Battery Life and Charging
The Sonos Ace headphones offer a great wireless audio streaming experience. They have a strong battery that lasts up to 30 hours on one charge. This makes them perfect for long trips and extended listening sessions.
- Full battery life: Up to 30 hours with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
- Quick charge feature: 3 minutes of charging provides approximately 3 hours of playback
- Charging method: USB-C fast charging
In real-world tests, the Sonos Ace gave 27-29 hours of battery life. This is a bit less than promised but is great for fans of wireless audio.
“Never worry about running out of power during your audio adventures.”
| Battery Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Maximum Battery Life | 30 hours |
| Quick Charge Capability | 3 minutes = 3 hours listening |
| Charging Port | USB-C |
To keep your battery strong, manage your volume and turn off ANC when not needed. The Sonos Ace is designed to keep your audio going all day.
For more tips on battery care, check out this article.
Gaming and Entertainment Performance
The Sonos Arc/Ace Personal Entertainment Set turns your home theater into a top-notch gaming and entertainment hub. It offers an amazing sound experience, taking your multimedia fun to new levels.
In gaming, the Sonos Arc Ultra gives you an immersive sound experience that boosts your gameplay. It has:
- 14 total speakers with 9.1.4 channel configuration
- 15 Class-D digital amplifiers
- Support for 10 unique audio formats
- Double the bass output compared to previous models
Gamers will love the low-latency connection between the Arc and Ace. It ensures audio that perfectly matches the game action. The Dolby Atmos support adds a three-dimensional soundscape, making games feel incredibly real.
“The Arc Ultra transforms gaming audio from mere sound to a truly immersive experience” – Gaming Tech Review
For mobile gamers, the Ace headphones add to the home theater system. They have noise-cancellation tech for clear audio on consoles or smartphones. You can easily switch between gaming platforms without losing sound quality.
Your entertainment options go beyond gaming. Whether watching sports, attending virtual concerts, or streaming movies, the Sonos Arc/Ace set offers top-notch audio. It brings every moment to life.
Price-to-Performance Analysis
When looking at the Sonos Ace as a top home theater system, buyers need to think about its value. It costs $449, which puts it in a tough spot in the market. People expect great sound and features for that price.
Market Comparison
Here’s how the Sonos Ace stacks up in the world of premium headphones:
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra: $429
- Sony WH-1000XM5: $399.99
- Apple AirPods Max: $549
- Shure Aonic 50 Gen 2: $349
Value Proposition
The Sonos Ace offers great value for your money in a home theater system. It has features that make it worth the cost:
- Battery Life: Up to 30 hours per charge
- Advanced Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity
- Support for multiple audio codecs (AAC, AptX Lossless)
- Best-in-class active noise cancellation
The Sonos Ace is a smart choice for those who want the best sound and flexibility.
Even though it costs $449, the Sonos Ace holds its own against the best. It offers special features like spatial audio and Dolby Head Tracking. These make your home theater system even better.
Pros and Cons Assessment
Looking at the Sonos Arc/Ace Personal Entertainment Set, you’ll see both good and bad points. It’s a strong choice for those who love surround sound and want the latest in audio tech.
Comprehensive Pros Analysis
- Exceptional Dolby Atmos spatial audio support
- Robust wireless audio streaming capabilities
- Comfortable design with lightweight construction (0.69 lbs)
- Impressive 30-hour battery life with active noise cancellation
- Advanced Bluetooth 5.4 technology supporting multiple audio codecs
Critical Cons Evaluation
- Limited EQ customization options
- Potential comfort issues for glasses wearers
- Active noise cancellation less effective compared to competitor models
- Initial compatibility restrictions with TV Audio Swap feature
The wireless speakers market keeps growing, and the Sonos Arc/Ace is a big step forward in personal audio.
| Feature | Sonos Arc/Ace | Competitor Comparison |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $449 | Apple AirPods Max: $549 |
| Battery Life | 30 hours | Apple AirPods Max: 20 hours |
| Weight | 0.69 lbs | Apple AirPods Max: 0.85 lbs |
“The Sonos Arc/Ace delivers an impressive audio experience with some room for future improvements” – Audio Technology Review
Before buying these surround sound speakers, think about what you need. Consider your audio preferences and how you plan to use them.
Conclusion
The Sonos Arc/Ace Personal Entertainment Set is a big step up in home theater tech. The Arc costs $899, and the Ace is $449. They give you top-notch sound for those who want the best.
Buying this setup means you get amazing sound in many ways. The Arc turns your room into a movie theater with its 5.0.2 channels and Dolby Atmos. The Ace headphones let you listen anywhere, with up to 30 hours of battery and great noise canceling.
But, it’s not perfect. It doesn’t support DTS:X, and not all streaming services work with it. Yet, it’s a great deal overall. It’s perfect for movie lovers, sound experts, and tech fans who want the best in both home and personal audio.
In the end, this review says the Sonos Arc and Ace are worth the money. They offer top performance for those looking to upgrade their audio setup.
FAQ
What is included in the Sonos Arc/Ace Personal Entertainment Set?
The set includes the Sonos Arc soundbar and Sonos Ace wireless headphones. It also comes with cables for HDMI and charging. This package offers a complete audio solution for home entertainment, with options for both shared and personal listening.
How do I set up the Sonos Arc and Ace devices?
Setting up is easy with the Sonos mobile app. First, connect the Arc to your TV via HDMI eARC. Then, connect both devices to your Wi-Fi network. Follow the app’s steps to integrate them into your Sonos system and set up voice control.
Does the Sonos Arc support Dolby Atmos?
Yes, the Sonos Arc supports Dolby Atmos. It has upward-firing speakers for a three-dimensional soundstage. This technology enhances the sound experience, making movies and TV shows more immersive.
What is the battery life of the Sonos Ace headphones?
The Sonos Ace headphones last about 30 hours on a single charge. Battery life can change based on volume and whether Active Noise Cancellation is on.
Can I use the Sonos Ace for gaming?
Absolutely! The Sonos Ace is great for gaming. It offers low-latency connection, high-quality sound, and effective noise cancellation. It works well with both console and mobile games.
How does the Active Noise Cancellation work on the Sonos Ace?
The Sonos Ace has advanced Active Noise Cancellation. It blocks out environmental sounds, from low rumbles to high-pitched noises. It’s perfect for commuting, working in noise, or traveling.
Is the Sonos Arc compatible with other smart home systems?
Yes, the Sonos Arc works with smart home systems. It supports voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. You can control it with voice commands and integrate it into smart home routines.
Can I use the Sonos Ace with multiple devices simultaneously?
Yes, the Sonos Ace supports connecting to multiple devices at once. This feature is great for switching between a phone and a computer easily.
How do I update the firmware for my Sonos Arc and Ace?
Firmware updates are done through the Sonos mobile app. The app will let you know when updates are ready. It will guide you through the process to keep your devices updated.
What makes the Sonos Arc different from other soundbars?
The Sonos Arc is unique with its 5.0.2 channel system and seamless HDMI connectivity. It supports Dolby Atmos and creates an immersive soundstage. Its sleek design and integration with the Sonos ecosystem make it a premium home theater solution.
